Apparatus for Neonatal Medical Treatment

ABSTRACT

Apparatus are disclosed that permit positioning and restraint of medical equipment attached to an infant, as well as positioning and swaddling of the infant, to achieve close contact between the infant and a caregiver. An example apparatus includes: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) first and second lateral extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions are coupled to the first and second edge of the base, respectively, (c) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (d) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/942,912, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving medical care need medical equipment in the form of hoses, tubes, wires, conduits, and numerous other kinds of physical structures necessary to provide needed medical intervention and monitoring. Adult patients can usually be taught how to move about without disrupting the connections between the patient's body and the medical equipment. Children, on the other hand, particularly infants, react spontaneously to their environment and move or flinch in reaction to touch, discomfort, or other sensations. These natural responses require special consideration when moving or adjusting the position of an infant or child.

Neonatal care is a particular example of situations requiring special consideration for holding and touching a patient. Infants that are in the neonatal unit of a hospital require constant connections to intricate medical equipment that must be maintained at all times. Infants move about, of course, even in their neonatal beds, but most medical equipment is sufficiently stably attached to the infant patient that an infant's movements cannot disconnect the medical equipment. A different scenario arises, however, when a caregiver attempts to hold a neonatal patient outside the infant's bed, such as when a parent of the infant visits the neonatal care unit. The parent and the infant benefit greatly from the touch and comfort afforded by holding and close cuddling of the infant, as well as from optional skin-to-skin contact, afforded by a practice known as “kangaroo care.” In kangaroo care, the caregiver holds the infant close to the caregiver's skin so that the baby is warmed and secured in a very natural way outside an incubator, while medical equipment is still connected to the infant patient's body. The physiological and psychological benefits of kangaroo care are a key component of proper medical intervention and healing of an infant patient.

In order to engage in kangaroo care, an infant undergoing medical intervention via connected medical equipment typically must be moved from an incubator or crib. When a parent or caregiver moves, holds, or cuddles an infant patient, achieving a close skin-to-skin contact and engaging in kangaroo care may cause the medical equipment to become disconnected from the infant. This in turn may disrupt the medical instrumentation providing treatment and diagnostic services for the infant.

Known devices intended to alleviate the risk of disconnecting medical equipment when holding or transporting an infant in neonatal care include neonatal carriers and holders that have rigid or at least semi-rigid elements that secure the medical equipment to the child and peripheral machines. These kinds of devices may be cumbersome and heavy and their rigid nature prevents intimate engagement or kangaroo care between the caregiver and the child.

SUMMARY

Apparatus are described herein for positioning and restraining medical equipment attached to an infant to allow a caregiver to hold an infant receiving treatment in a close and intimate way with skin-to-skin contact, while maintaining the connections between the medical equipment and the infant. Specifically, example embodiments generally relate to an apparatus having a base with a front patient-facing surface to receive an infant. The base is coupled to lateral extensions, a head extension, a foot pouch and/or a foot support and restraints may in turn be coupled to the base or to the extensions. The restraints may be configured to receive and safely secure medical equipment attached to the infant patient. The extensions advantageously may be wrapped around the medical equipment, may be rolled or folded to position the infant in a neonatal bed or during kangaroo care, may be used to swaddle the infant in the bed or during kangaroo care or may be secured underneath a caregiver's arms during kangaroo care. Some embodiments may also include a foot pouch to receive the infant's feet and a portion of the infant's legs, which has the benefit of making the infant feel more safe and secure and of positioning the infant during kangaroo care, for example. Other embodiments may beneficially include a foot support that may be used to elevate the infant's legs or feet in a bed and may be used to prevent the infant from sliding down during kangaroo care, for example.

In one aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) a first lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first lateral extension is coupled to the first edge of the base, (c) a second lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second lateral extension is coupled to the second edge of the base, (d) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (e) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.

In another aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, (b) a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base, (c) a foot support coupled to the first end of the base, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the base, (d) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (e) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.

In a further aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base, (c) a head extension coupled to a second end of the base, and (d) at least one restraint-connector defining a cavity, where in the at least one restraint-connector is coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the apparatus according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the apparatus with lateral extensions rolled inward toward the base according the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a back perspective view of the apparatus with a foot extension removably coupled to the back surface of the base according the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus positioned on a caregiver for kangaroo care according to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the apparatus according to a second example embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the apparatus with lateral extensions rolled inward toward the base according the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the apparatus according to a third example embodiment showing an infant positioned on the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the apparatus according to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the apparatus according to a fourth example embodiment showing an infant positioned on the apparatus.

FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of a restraint according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a side view of a restraint according to the example embodiment of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a restraint according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example,” “exemplary,” and “illustrative” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example,” being “exemplary,” or being “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

As used herein, the term “medical equipment” means any portion of or attachment to a machine or device related to healthcare monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, or the like, including but not limited to sensors, conduits, cables, hoses, tubes, wires, dispensers, and intravenous lines commonly referred to as IVs.

The present embodiments advantageously provide a blanket-like apparatus for positioning and restraining medical equipment attached to an infant to allow a caregiver to hold an infant receiving treatment in a way that provides security, warmth and stability for an infant or small child, while maintaining the connections between the medical equipment and the infant. The blanket-like apparatus may also aid with positioning an infant or small child in a desirable physical location and orientation such as in a neonatal bed or while engaged in intimate contact with a caregiver. Further, the arrangement of the apparatus permits an infant to be easily moved from a neonatal treatment bed and does not interfere with skin-to-skin contact between the infant and the caregiver. The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements in all the Figures. Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a blanket-like apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 may include a base 105 that has a first edge 110 and a second edge 115 that extend between a first end 120 and a second end 125. The base 105 may be sized and shaped to receive an infant or child, for example, on a front surface 106. Specifically, the base 105 may be polygonal or circular in shape, for example, and is preferably square or rectangular. In various embodiments, the base 105 may be made of textiles or non-woven fabrics, including wool, hemp, bamboo or blends thereof. In one embodiment, the material of the base is washable and/or antimicrobial. In various embodiments, a liner may be removably coupled to the base 105, via snaps or hook and loop for example, to maintain a hygienic environment for the patient. The liner may be made of the same material as the base 105.

In addition, in one embodiment, the base 105 may define a foot pouch 150 at the first end 120. The foot pouch 150 may be used to encircle an infant's feet providing a sense of security to the infant while the infant is lying down and to retain the infant within the blanket-like apparatus 100 during kangaroo care, for example. The foot pouch 150 may also be used to elevate or support an infant's feet while the infant is lying down. The foot pouch 150 may be made of the same material as the base 105.

In various embodiments, the blanket-like apparatus may include a foot support 155. In one embodiment, the foot support 155 may be coupled to the first end of the base 105, such that the foot support 155 protrudes from the front surface 106 of the base 105. In another embodiment, the foot support 155 may be coupled to the foot pouch 150, such that the foot support 155 protrudes from a front surface 151 of the foot pouch 150. The foot support 155 may be used to elevate or support an infant's feet while the infant is lying down. The foot support 155 may also be used to engage the infant's feet when the infant and apparatus 100 are in contact with a caregiver and may prevent the infant from sliding downward when held upright in a vertical or angled position. In one embodiment, the foot support 155 may include a filler material such as molded or extruded foam that is covered with the same material as that of the base 105. In one embodiment, the foam may be removable to aid in washing of the blanket-like apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the foot support 155 may be made of the same material as the base 105 such that the material may be rolled or folded over on itself one or more times and fixed in place.

The blanket-like apparatus 100 may also include a first lateral extension 130 and a second lateral extension 135, each having a proximal end 131, 136 and a distal end 132, 137. The proximal ends 131, 136 of the first and second lateral extensions 130, 135 may be coupled to the first edge 110 and the second edge 115 of the base 105, respectively. The blanket-like apparatus 100 may further include a head extension 145 coupled to the second end 125 of the base 105. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the lateral extensions 130, 135 and head extension 145 may be foldable or rollable to assist with positioning of an infant in a particular orientation while lying in a bed and/or to cover medical equipment. The lateral extensions 130, 135 and head extension 145 may be polygonal or semi-circular in shape, for example, and are preferably square or rectangular. In addition, the lateral extensions 130, 135 and head extension 145 may be used to wrap or swaddle an infant or to loosely cover the infant. The lateral extensions 130, 135 may also extend from the base 105 to the space 140 between a caregiver's rib cage and upper arms during kangaroo care, as shown in FIG. 4. The head extension 145 may also be used to cover the infant's head during kangaroo care to add warmth and darkness away from the bright lights of the treatment bed. The lateral extensions 130, 135 and head extension 145 may be made of the same material as the base 105. In one embodiment, the lateral extensions 130, 135 and the base 105, the head extension and the base 105 or the lateral extensions 130, 135, head extension 145 and the base 105 may be cut as a unitary piece of fabric. Alternatively, the lateral extensions 130, 135 and the head extension may be coupled to the base using any technique known in the art, including stitching, thermal bonding, laser-enhanced bonding, adhesive bonding, or ultrasonic seaming, for example. In an unrolled, static condition the base 105, lateral extensions 130, 135, and head extension 145 are substantially planar. In another embodiment, the head extension may be coupled to aesthetic features like ears and eyes to make the environment less intimidating for caretakers.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may also include at least one restraint 160 coupled to the base 105, the first lateral extension 130, the second lateral extension 135, the head extension 145 and/or the foot pouch 155. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A-B, the restraint 160 may take the form of an outer shell 180 that defines a cavity 181. The outer shell 180 may be configured to have a top surface 182 having both an open position and a closed position relative to a bottom surface 183. A bead 184 or protrusion may be coupled to an exterior surface 185 of the bottom surface 183 of the outer shell 180. And a flexible extension leg 186 may have a first end 187 coupled to the exterior surface 185 of the bottom surface 183 of the outer shell 180 and may have a second end 188 extending toward and biased against the bead 184 or the protrusion. In addition, a locking mechanism may be provided that is configured to hold the top surface 182 of the outer shell 180 in the closed position. In one embodiment, a foam liner 189 may be coupled to an interior surface 190 of the outer shell 180. The outer shell 180, bead 184, extension leg 186 may be formed in a unitary fashion via extrusion or injection molding, for example. In alternative embodiments, the restraints 160 may include (i) a pair of ties (shown in FIG. 5), (ii) a hook and loop fastener (shown in FIG. 7), (iii) a pair of ties having reciprocal connectors (e.g., snaps, magnets, a buckle, hook and loop, etc.), (iv) a foam extrusion 175 defining a cavity 176 along the length L of the extrusion 175, having a slit 177 extending between the cavity 176 and an outer surface 178 of the foam extrusion 175 and the slit 177 extending along the length L of the extrusion 176 (as shown in FIG. 11), or (v) cable ties, among other possibilities. The restraints are intended to safely secure the medical equipment without kinking or collapsing lumens or conduits of the medical equipment. In one embodiment, as shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 7, a plurality of restraints 160 may be coupled to the front surface of the apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the plurality of restraints 160 may be coupled to the back surface 107 of the apparatus 100. The plurality of restraints may have many different arrangements on the apparatus 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9, the restraints 160 may be arranged linearly at or near the proximal ends 131, 136 of the first and second lateral extensions 130, 135 with a restraint coupled to the head extension 145. Further, elements 1-9 of FIG. 9, illustrate an example arrangement for the location of restraints 160 or restraint-connectors 165, discussed below, with respect to an infant patient.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one restraint-connector 165 coupled to the base 105, the first lateral extension 130, the second lateral extension 135, the head extension 145 and/or the foot pouch 150. In one embodiment, the restraint-connectors 165 may define a cavity or opening 166 for coupling to a restraint 160. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a plurality of restraint-connectors 165 are provided in the form of integral loops. In one embodiment, a restraint 160 may be releasably or removably coupled to the restraint-connector 165. This arrangement may permit use of restraints 160 intended for a one-time use, for example, a cable tie or a zip tie. This arrangement may also aid with washing and sterilization of the apparatus 100 and the restraints 160.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 8, the apparatus 100 may further include a foot extension 170 having a distal end 171 and a proximal end 172. In one embodiment, the proximal end 172 of the foot extension 170 may be coupled to one or both of the first end 120 of the base 105 and the foot pouch 150. In one embodiment, the distal end 171 of the foot extension 170 may be coupled to at least one connector 180 and at least one reciprocal connector 181 may be coupled to the proximal end 172 of the foot extension 170, the foot pouch 150, a front surface 106 of the base 105 (FIG. 5), or a back surface 107 of the base 105 (FIGS. 3-4) for folding over and securing of medical equipment. The connector 180 and reciprocal connector 181 may include hook and loop (FIG. 5), snaps (FIG. 8), magnets, zippers, or buttons and corresponding button-holes, among other possibilities.

In operation, medical personnel may attach medical equipment (not shown) to the apparatus 100 via the restraints 160 so that medical equipment connected to an infant is entirely secure when the infant is lifted out of the bed. The caregiver has the option to then roll or fold the extensions 130, 135, 145, 170 over the medical equipment and over the infant like a blanket. In this way medical equipment may be held securely in place with respect to the infant patient and apparatus 100. In the examples shown, the restraints 160 may attach the medical equipment to the head extension 145 and to one or both of lateral extensions 130, 135. The head extension 145 may restrain one portion of one piece of medical equipment via restraint 160, while lateral extensions 130, 135 roll or fold over the medical equipment as shown in FIG. 2. As shown further in FIG. 1, the foot portion includes a foot pouch 150 so that when an infant is positioned on the base 105, the infant may be lifted to a caregiver's chest or shoulder with the infant patient's feet engaged in the foot pouch 150. A foot extension 170 may also be wrapped around additional medical equipment and be held in place via the connector 180 and receiprocal connector 181.

The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed apparatus with reference to the accompanying figures. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end; a first lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first lateral extension is coupled to the first edge of the base; a second lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second lateral extension is coupled to the second edge of the base; a head extension coupled to the second end of the base; and at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a foot extension having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the foot extension is coupled to one or both of the first end of the base and the foot pouch, wherein the distal end of the foot extension is coupled to at least one connector and at least one reciprocal connector is coupled to the proximal end of the foot extension, the foot pouch or a back surface of the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint is coupled to a front surface of one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint comprises (i) a pair of ties, (ii) a hook and loop fastener, (iii) a pair of ties having reciprocal connectors, (iv) a foam extrusion defining a cavity along the length of the extrusion, wherein a slit extends between the cavity and an outer surface of the extrusion and the slit extends along the length of the extrusion, (v) cable ties or (vi) an outer shell that defines a cavity, wherein the outer shell is configured to have a top surface having both an open position and a closed position relative to a bottom surface, a bead or protrusion on an exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell, a flexible extension leg having a first end coupled to the exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell and a second end extending toward and biased against the bead or the protrusion, a locking mechanism configured to hold the top surface of the outer shell in the closed position and a foam liner coupled to an interior surface of the outer shell.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint comprises a plurality of restraints.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of restraints are arranged at the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a restraint-connector coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch, wherein the at least one restraint is releasably coupled to the restraint-connector.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second lateral extensions and the head extension are each separately foldable or rollable.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a foot support coupled to the foot pouch, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the foot pouch.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end; a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base; a foot support coupled to the first end of the base, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the base; a head extension coupled to the second end of the base; and at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a foot extension having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the foot extension is coupled to one or both of the first end of the base and the foot support, wherein the distal end of the foot extension is coupled to at least one connector and at least one reciprocal connector is coupled to the proximal end of the foot extension, the foot support or a back surface of the base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint is coupled to a front surface of one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint comprises (i) a pair of ties, (ii) a hook and loop fastener, (iii) a pair of ties having reciprocal connectors, (iv) a foam extrusion defining a cavity along the length of the extrusion, wherein a slit extends between the cavity and an outer surface of the extrusion and the slit extends along the length of the extrusion, (v) cable ties or (vi) an outer shell that defines a cavity, wherein the outer shell is configured to have a top surface having both an open position and a closed position relative to a bottom surface, a bead or protrusion on an exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell, a flexible extension leg having a first end coupled to the exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell and a second end extending toward and biased against the bead or the protrusion, a locking mechanism configured to hold the top surface of the outer shell in the closed position and a foam liner coupled to an interior surface of the outer shell.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint comprises a plurality of restraints.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of restraints are arranged at the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a restraint-connector coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support, wherein the at least one restraint is releasably coupled to the restraint-connector.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second lateral extensions and the head extension are each separately foldable or rollable.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end; a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base; a head extension coupled to a second end of the base; and at least one restraint-connector defining a cavity, where in the at least one restraint-connector is coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a restraint coupled to the at least one restraint connector.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the restraint is removably coupled to the at least one restraint connector. 